The authors are professionals, deeply embedded in a body of knowledge and practice, making a conjecture for an audience of their peers. They take for granted information, context, and training that most of us do not have.
Am I saying their credentials mean they’re right? Of course not. I have no idea.
What I’ve got instead is the epistemic humility to recognize that just because I am unqualified to evaluate this evidence doesn’t mean everybody is.
Hey, if turns out you’re an archaeologist I’ll happily eat crow. But somehow I think the local birds are safe tonight.
Sometimes, you don’t know something. Sometimes, you don’t even really want to know (or you’d ask a question)! When those times come around, and they will, it’s okay to just… not post.
(Edited to soften tone slightly)